Ilocos Sur under state of calamity

SAN FERNANDO, La Union, Philippines — Ilocos Sur was placed under a state of calamity on Tuesday amid massive flooding due to continuous heavy rains spawned by the southwest monsoon.

Gov. Ryan Singson approved a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recommending the declaration of a state of calamity after damage to infrastructure and agriculture reached over P200 million. 

The declaration will allow the provincial government to use its calamity funds to repair damaged infrastructure and provide assistance to affected residents, farmers and fisherfolk.   

In Candon City, a landslide destroyed a big portion of Zone 2, Barangay Amguid. At least 52 families or 166 individuals were displaced. Local officials said damage in the area alone was estimated at P106.5 million.

Cops deployed

As this developed, more than 700 police officers were deployed to conduct search and rescue operations in Ilocos region.

“We continuously pursue proactive measures to minimize casualties in the region,” Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, Ilocos police director, said.

Sapitula said 42 barangays remained flooded and 11 roads were not passable in Ilocos Sur on Monday.

He said around 200 families also remain in evacuation centers.

On Saturday, a state of calamity was declared in Ilocos Norte also due to massive flooding.

More than 14,000 residents were affected, with damage to infrastructure and agriculture placed at P112 million. – Cecille Suerte Felipe